Soviet Forces Invade Eastern Poland
On this date, the Soviet Union launched its invasion of eastern Poland following an agreement with Nazi Germany. The invasion began around dawn, with Soviet troops moving quickly to occupy areas left defenseless after the German advance. The action was part of a larger strategy agreed upon in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which allowed both powers to divide Eastern Europe between them. The occupation faced little resistance from Polish forces that were already engaged in fighting against the German invasion from the west.
Soviet invasion part of a secret pact with Germany.
Polish forces were largely engaged with Germany.
Soviets quickly occupied Eastern Poland.
This led to decades of Soviet control over Poland.
What Happened?
The Soviet invasion of Poland began shortly after the country found itself under attack from Germany on September 1, 1939. Poland was overwhelmed and had been struggling to defend itself against the blitzkrieg tactics employed by the Germans. The Nazi invasion was swift and effective, capturing significant territories within a week. On September 17, the Red Army, following the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed on August 23, 1939, advanced into Polish territory from the east. This agreement had secret protocols that outlined the division of Eastern Europe, including Poland, between the two totalitarian regimes.
The Soviet troops encountered very little resistance, as the Polish forces were primarily concentrated in the west, fighting the Germans who were advancing rapidly. The Polish government, realizing their defeat against Germany, had already begun to evacuate. As the Soviets moved in, they portrayed their actions as a protective measure for the Ukrainian and Belarusian populations in Poland. The Red Army swiftly occupied Western Ukraine and Eastern Galicia, effectively sealing the fate of Poland and marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict.
The invasion led to the establishment of Soviet control over half of Poland, setting the stage for decades of oppression under Soviet rule. For Poland, this occupation would result in significant social and political upheaval, affecting the nation profoundly in the coming years. Meanwhile, both the Nazis and Soviets would continue to navigate their tactical alliance until Germany would ultimately betray the pact in 1941 with Operation Barbarossa.
Why Does it Matter?
This event is interesting because it showcases the early cooperation between two ideologically opposed regimes, highlighting the complexities of geopolitics in the lead-up to and during World War II. The division of Poland not only set a precedent for further territorial disputes but also shaped the national identities and regional politics of Eastern Europe for generations. The impact of the Soviet invasion extended into the Cold War, where Poland and the surrounding countries became battlegrounds of influence between the West and the Soviet Union.